The Clemson Tigers have become a powerhouse under Dabo Swinney, but how does their 2018 recruiting class grade out after National Signing Day?
Since the arrival of Dabo Swinney in the muggy confines of South Carolina, the Clemson Tigers football program has become a juggernaut. There are many reasons behind this and Swinney’s coaching ability is undoubtedly one of them. Perhaps chief among those reasons, though, is the ability of the head coach and his staff to recruit.
If you need any further evidence of their recruiting ability, you need only look at how they rank in terms of class rankings in recent years. And 2018 seems to be in the same vein, which starts at the top. Swinney and Clemson landed the No. 1 overall recruit in the 247 Sports Composite Rankings in pro-style quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He’s a beast ready to take his turn once Kelly Bryant’s run has ended.
As has long been the case, though, the Tigers made sure to address the other side of the ball in their 2018 recruiting class with two more 5-star players at defensive end. Xavier Thomas is the No. 3 overall recruit and the top-ranked strongside defensive end while KJ Henry is the third-ranked weakside defensive end. They will surely terrorize opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
But how does the class as a whole shake out? Take a look at the full Clemson Football 2018 recruiting class below:
Next: National Signing Day: Predictions for top 25 uncommitted recruits
Obviously landing as many 5-star players as the Tigers did is something that every program dreams of. However, the depth of the class for Clemson ultimately leaves just a bit to be desired. While they aided that on National Signing Day, that’s why they aren’t at the top of the overall class rankings and why they don’t get a full-blown A for their class.
Grade: B+